Reality TV is a weird time capsule. One minute you're the nation's sweetheart, and the next, people are googling your name three years later wondering if you still have that same dog or if you're even still in the industry. Zac Mirabelli is one of those names that sticks. As the first-ever winner of Love Island USA, he didn't just walk away with a share of $100,000; he became the blueprint for what a "good guy" on the show was supposed to look like.
But winning isn't always the end of the story. Honestly, it's usually just the prologue to a much messier, more complicated reality.
The Zac and Elizabeth Era: Why It Felt Different
If you watched Season 1 back in 2019, you remember the vibe. It was innocent. Compared to the high-octane drama of the later seasons or the chaotic energy of the UK version, Zac and Elizabeth Weber felt like a genuine rom-com. They coupled up on Day 1. They stayed together. They didn't really stray.
It was almost boring. But it worked.
Fans were obsessed because they represented the "Day Ones." In the world of reality dating, the Day One couple is the North Star. When Zac asked Elizabeth to be his girlfriend—using a bunch of grocery store items to spell it out—it was peak wholesome content. You’ve got to remember that at this point, the US audience was still figuring out what Love Island even was. Zac was the grocery store clerk from Chicago with the boy-next-door energy, and Elizabeth was the bubbly New Yorker. It was a match made in casting heaven.
They won. Obviously.
Then the cameras turned off and the real world started hitting them. Hard.
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The Breakup No One Wanted to See
A lot of people ask if Zac from Love Island is still with Elizabeth. The short answer is no. The long answer is a bit more relatable than the usual "we grew apart" PR statement. They lasted about several months post-show, which in "reality TV years" is actually a decent run.
They officially split in December 2019.
Zac took to Instagram at the time to explain that the breakup was mutual. He mentioned that they were still on good terms. Elizabeth echoed the sentiment, noting that life outside the villa is just... different. When you're in a villa in Fiji, you don't have bills. You don't have long-distance logistics. You don't have the pressure of thousands of strangers asking you why you haven't posted a photo together in three days.
It’s a pressure cooker.
Since the split, Zac has stayed relatively low-key compared to some of his counterparts who try to pivot into every reality show under the sun. He didn't jump onto The Challenge or Bachelor in Paradise. He seemed to take a beat.
Life After the Villa: Modeling, YouTube, and Chicago
So, what has he been doing?
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Zac Mirabelli didn't just disappear into a 9-to-5. He leaned into the opportunities the show provided but kept a certain level of distance from the "influencer" trope. He’s done a significant amount of modeling. If you look at his portfolio, he’s worked with various brands, leveraging that classic look that got him cast in the first place.
He also gave YouTube a solid try. For a while, he was posting vlogs, Q&As, and fitness content. It gave fans a glimpse into his life in Chicago and later his moves between different cities. However, like many reality stars find out, the transition from "person on TV" to "full-time content creator" is an exhausting grind.
What People Get Wrong About the Prize Money
There’s this huge misconception that winning Love Island means you’re set for life.
$50,000 (his half of the prize) is a lot of money, sure. But after taxes? In a city like Chicago or NYC? It’s a down payment. It’s a safety net. It isn't "never work again" money. Zac has been open about the fact that he’s had to continue building a career. He didn't just sit on a beach and spend the cash.
The Evolution of the Love Island USA Brand
Zac was the pioneer. When he was on the show, the production felt smaller. The stakes felt lower. Now, Love Island USA is a behemoth on Peacock with celebrity hosts and massive social media integrations.
Looking back at Zac’s journey, it highlights a shift in the genre.
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- He represented a time when the "villain edit" wasn't as sharp.
- The contestants weren't all seasoned TikTokers with 500k followers before they even walked in.
- The connections felt a bit more organic, even if they didn't last forever.
Where is Zac Mirabelli Now?
If you check his socials today, you'll see a guy who has matured. He’s moved away from the neon lights of the Love Island brand and focused more on his personal growth and professional modeling. He still interacts with the fan base occasionally, but he isn't living in the past.
He’s active on Instagram, often sharing fitness-related content and high-end photography. He seems to have found a balance between the fame he gained and the life he wanted to lead. He’s not constantly chasing the dragon of reality TV fame, which is honestly refreshing. Most of these guys try to stay relevant until they're 40. Zac seems content with his chapter in the history books of reality TV.
He's also stayed relatively private about his current dating life. After the very public relationship and breakup with Elizabeth, it makes sense. Sometimes, the best way to move on from a reality show is to actually leave the "reality" part behind and just live.
Practical Insights for Reality TV Fans
If you're following former Islanders like Zac, it's helpful to keep a few things in view to manage your own expectations as a viewer:
- The Post-Show Slump is Real: Most couples break up within 3 to 6 months. The transition from 24/7 contact to long-distance is the primary killer of these relationships.
- Social Media isn't the Full Picture: Just because an Islander isn't posting "career" updates doesn't mean they aren't working. Many pivot into behind-the-scenes roles in production, fitness coaching, or real estate.
- The First Season is Always Unique: Winners of the inaugural season of any show usually have the hardest time because there's no roadmap for their fame. Zac handled it with more grace than most.
To stay truly updated on his latest professional moves, the best bet is following his verified social channels directly rather than relying on tabloid speculation, which often recycles old news from 2019. Look for his work in commercial modeling—that's where his primary professional focus remains.